Micaela Kingslight releases her first CD

Gull Lake grad and singer-songwriter-guitarist extraordinaire Micaela Kingslight has recorded her first CD, titled Still. The official release party is scheduled for October 2 at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, but you can get a preview Friday, August 7, at 9 p.m. at the Strutt in Kalamazoo. Admission is $5. For more on Micaela and the genesis of the CD, check the Gazette!

Downtown plays with Gull Lake connections

Gull Lake arts grads are everywhere, so it's not surprising to find people we know in at least two productions at any given time.

This is the last weekend for Forbidden Broadway at the Whole Art Theatre in the Epic Center. It's a hilarious, satirical, but loving tribute to Broadway musical theatre, featuring Adam Carter. Catch it at 8 p.m. on July 24 and 25. Details at the Whole Art's website.

Lisa Watson is stage managing Blue's Clues Live! at the Farmers Alley Theater downtown, July 24 through August 8, part of Farmers Alley's Children's Series. Join the fun as that inquisitive pup, Blue, follows clues with his friend Steve. There are morning, afternoon, and evening performances; check the Farmers Alley website for details.

July 18 Double Whammy: Art Fair and Garden Show

Busy Saturday! From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 18, area artists will be showing and selling their work on the Richland Village Green, in the heart of the Village of Richland. This is the 37th annual Richland Art Fair sponsored by the Gull Lake Area Community Volunteers. Profits from the fair fund some of the Volunteers' programs, which provide educational, medical, dental and emergency funds to help individuals in the Gull Lake Community School district.

And, on your way to or from the Art Fair, be sure to stop in at the Richland Area Community Center, 9400 East CD Avenue (the post office road), between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to see gorgeous plants, flowers, and arrangements at the "Come Bloom With Us" flower show being held by the Seedlings Garden Club. There will be flower-arranging workshops and a host of experts who can give you garden ideas and advice. RACC never looked more beautiful!

Music at the Market

What could be more festive than shopping and chatting at the Richland Farmers' Market, accompanied by live music? Wonderful musicians have been giving their time to perform at the Market, including Robin and Emily Nott, Kendall Jennings, Sarah Denick, and Caitlin Brooks. Next up: Alice Karosas will play cello on July 15, and the joint will be jumpin' on July 29 as a saxophone quartet of Kelly Morcombe's students swing it out. Stop by, enjoy, and give them a round of applause!

The Market is held every Wednesday through October, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., at the Richland Area Community Center, 9400 East CD Avenue. Thanks to Susan Brooks, the Richland Farmers' Market Committee, and all the great musicians for making Wednesday afternoons so musical!

Theatricals for tweens at the libe

Richland Community Library will bring Dr. Tom's Semi-Silent Theatre to the First Presbyterian Church (next door to the library) on Thursday, July 16, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. The show, which includes mime, comedy, European-style clowning, and other performing arts, is intended for pre-teens, but all kids who will be in third grade or higher this fall are welcome. The show is free. For more info, call teen librarian LeeAnn Martens at 269-629-9085 or check the library's website.

Barbershop Harmony

Gull Lake High School's vocal music teacher, David Woolf, will be performing with his prizewinning barbershop quartet, Go 4 It!, at 7 p.m. this Thursday, June 25, at the Amphitheater at Celery Flats in Portage (rain site: Hayloft Theatre). They'll headline a concert that will feature other local vocal harmony groups as well. Tickets are only $5, and this City of Portage Parks Department event is sponsored by Portage Noon Rotary.

This will be your preview for the Performing Arts Foundation's big fundraiser on August 16, Americana in August, when Dave's larger group, the Kalamazoo Barbershop Chorus, and other vocal ensembles will perform at an old-fashioned ice cream social at the Richland Area Community Center. In addition, reproductions of classic American works of art will be on display throughout the Center that day. Suggested donation of $5 per person or $10 per family will include an ice cream cone. Mark your calendar now for 2 to 5 p.m., Sunday, August 16!

"Summer Bouquet" at Blue Water Gallery

Richland has its own Art Hop on the second Friday of each month. This month, a new show opens at the Blue Water Gallery on Friday, June 12. "Summer Bouquet" features floral and garden pastels by Roseann Maguire. The opening reception from 6 to 9 p.m. will offer wine, punch, and appetizers, plus music in the outdoor sculpture garden by local musician Larry Lowis. The Gallery is located at 8860 N. 32nd Street, in the Clocktower Green complex.

Speaking of that pleasant spot, the Clocktower Green Summer Music Series starts on June 18, with live outdoor music every Thursday from 6:30 to 9 p.m., at Clocktower Green. Enjoy!